The Alkamba Times

01/19/2025

Office of Secretary-General and Party Leader
19th January, 2025

SUBJECT – TRIBUTE TO BA KALILOU SINGHATEH

Honorable Ba Kalilou Singhateh was an instrumental figure among the cohort of young, educated individuals from the protectorate who united in their vision to establish the Protectorate People's Society (PPS), which subsequently evolved into the People's Progressive Party (PPP). The journey of Hon Ba Kalilou Singhateh and his contemporaries is a remarkable narrative steeped in perseverance, unity, and a steadfast commitment to advocating for their communities.

The Protectorate People's Society was founded in 1957 in Bathurst, now known as Banjul, by a dedicated group of marginalized individuals from the protectorate. This collective came together to address their immediate welfare concerns and provide mutual support against the backdrop of limited opportunities and fierce competition among several small welfare organizations that were emerging at the time. Their collective efforts symbolized the start of a more radical mission, aiming to unify the protectorate people under a singular, strong banner to cultivate a brighter, more prosperous future for every individual in their community.

Under the visionary leadership of the late Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, the PPP emerged as a beacon of hope and an active force for change. Hon. Ba Kalilou Singhateh and his fellow young intellectuals dedicated themselves to tirelessly advocating for their cause, channeling their energies into forming a robust political entity that would represent the interests of the protectorate people. Their relentless commitment culminated in establishing the PPP on February 14, 1959, in Basse, generating waves of excitement and hope throughout the Gambian populace.

Their aspirations culminated on February 18, 1965, when Gambians celebrated their independence, which heralded a new era for the nation. The historical context reveals that the protectorate people were initially disenfranchised, lacking the right to vote. Nevertheless, Hon. Ba Kalilou Singhateh and his team took a stand, advocating for their rights and tirelessly campaigning for a constitutional amendment that would extend voting rights based on universal adult suffrage. While established political parties offered alternative solutions, the PPP remained resolute, refusing to accept a compromise that fell short of their vision for equality and justice. Their bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their cause led to monumental achievements, including the attainment of internal self-government and full sovereignty for The Gambia within a remarkably short timeframe.

To solidify the dream of independence, the Gambians required a comprehensive legal framework, which was developed during the historical Marlborough Conference on July 23, 1964. This essential groundwork paved the way for the enactment of the Gambia Independence Act by the UK House of Commons on December 17, 1964, solidifying February 18, 1965, as the official date for independence.

Honorable Ba Kalilou Singhateh played a significant role as a member of the negotiation team representing Gambian interests during discussions with colonial authorities and political parties. This marked a crucial turning point in Gambian history as the people sought the power to govern themselves by amending the colonial constitution. The transition from an executive council to a cabinet model, led by a Prime Minister supported by Hon. Ba Kalilou Singhateh and a capable team of ministers, was a critical step towards self-determination and a more democratic governance structure.

The principles of transformation and self-governance were championed at the historic 1961 London Constitutional Talks, where groundbreaking discussions took place that would shape the future of The Gambia.

Throughout his life, Honorable Ba Kalilou Singhateh remained a staunch supporter and advocate for the growth and development of the People's Progressive Party. Even in his later years, he actively participated in political discourse, contributing his insights and advice in PPP social media forums, engaging with party members, and encouraging a vibrant political dialogue. He continued to be involved in party activities up until the recent elective congress that saw Ousman Madikay Faal elected as the Secretary-General and Party Leader.

Hon. Ba Kalilou Singhateh's legacy as an exemplary leader is characterized by his humility, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the PPP and its goals. His passing is a profound loss for The Gambia, leaving a significant void within the party that will be challenging to fill.

On behalf of the general membership of the People's Progressive Party, as well as my own family, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Honorable Ba Kalilou Singhateh.

We are immensely grateful to President Adama Barrow and the government of The Gambia for their thoughtful gesture in honoring his lifelong service to our nation with a state funeral. May Allah have mercy on his soul and all the departed. Ousman Madikay Faal (Pa Alhagi) Secretary-General and Party Leader

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

01/19/2025

BREAKING: TikTok says it will restore service to U.S. users after assurance from President-elect Trump to the company’s service providers.

Just hours before the move from TikTok, Trump posted to Truth Social calling for the app to remain available. Trump indicated in his post that he wanted it to be available in order to broadcast his inauguration Monday.

01/19/2025

The man of the moment is Y. Minteh!
📷 Brighton

01/19/2025

BREAKING: President-elect Trump says he will issue an executive order Monday allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. nbcnews.app.link/Bquwgld1hQb

01/19/2025

Brighton Secures Victory Over Manchester United in Premier League Clash!

Brighton triumphed over Manchester United, securing a win at Old Trafford. The game featured an early goal from Yankuba Minteh, who made history as the first Gambian to score against United at the iconic stadium. Despite Manchester United's efforts to equalize in the first half, Brighton maintained its momentum and clinched the victory.

01/19/2025

Press Statement:
PUBLIC STATEMENT
EFSCRJ Marks January 19: We Call for Accountable Leadership and Good Governance

Today, January 19 marks the 8th anniversary of the swearing-in of Pres. Adama Barrow at the Gambian embassy in Dakar in 2017. This historic ceremony had to take place outside the borders of the Gambia simply because of the recalcitrance of Tyrant Yaya Jammeh who refused to hand over power after losing the 1st December 2016 presidential elections. For that matter, in his swearing-in speech in Dakar Barrow noted that, "This is a day no Gambian will ever forget in a lifetime."

On this day, Pres. Barrow promised Gambians a new era of democratic governance in which adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles and the pursuit of the best interest of the nation will guide him and his Government. A few hours after Barrow was sworn-in ECOMIG forces invaded the territory of the Gambia to forcefully remove Yaya Jammeh thereby imposing the will of Gambians to prevail. Barrow’s swearing-in as president was the first time Gambians have changed political power through elections.

Eight years today, EFSCRJ notes with grave concern the trajectory that Barrow and his Government have since taken, which is characterized by effectively reneging on his promises which he made in his 2016 Manifesto and in the 2016 Coalition MoU and as President since then. We are concerned that not only has he failed to effectively conduct and conclude comprehensive constitutional, legal, and institutional reforms, but Barrow is slowly but steadily reversing the country back to the path of Dictatorship, political deception, and patronage.

By still maintaining the 1997 Constitution after stifling the 2020 Draft Constitution, and by forming an alliance with the APRC and further bringing back key Dictatorship Enablers into the Cabinet and the National Assembly as Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Barrow has effectively stalled the democratic transformation that the country yearned for in 2017. As a result of the abandonment of his promises and the aspirations of Gambian people, there is an increased incidence of corruption and abuse of power within his Government leading to further denial or violations of the civil, political, economic and social rights of citizens. For this reason, poverty, high cost of living, poor social services, unemployment, limited opportunities, hopelessness, and deprivation continue to spread and deepen across the Gambian society.

Therefore, on this day, EFSCRJ makes the urgent call on Barrow to demonstrate effective and accountable leadership by reversing the deplorable path in which the country is sliding. For this reason, we demand the following from President Adama Barrow:

1. To uphold his oath of office to ensure the full and uncompromising adherence to the rule of law by public institutions and officials.

2. To immediately combat the uncontrolled corruption in his Government by enforcing the laws on graft and prosecute perpetrators.

3. To ensure the effective performance of public institutions and officials to ensure efficient delivery of affordable social services.

4. To end the weaponization of laws and institutions against fundamental rights and freedoms.

5. To reverse the rampant mismanagement of public resources on frivolous purchase of vehicles, furniture, ceremonies, travel and entertainment by public institutions and officials.

6. To put an immediate stop to encroachments on forests, wetlands, and all our natural habitats and also end the illegal allocations of state lands to public officials, private individuals and businesses.

7. To stop and reverse his current trajectory of divisive politics and threats against political opponents, critics, journalists, and activists but to seek and secure the unity, peace and stability of this country.

In a nutshell, EFSCRJ demands that Pres. Barrow demonstrates utmost political will and commitment to transparency and accountability to ensure the full protection and promotion of the national interest.

We call on all citizens, CSOs, political parties, communities and indeed all stakeholders to exercise their full rights and duties in demanding accountable leadership and good governance in the Gambia.

Above all, we demand Pres. Barrow to undertake a legitimate national process in writing a new constitution for the country and refrain from seeking a third term in office in 2026.

In the Spirit of Edward Francis Small, For The Gambia Our Homeland

2025: The Year of Transparency and Accountability

01/19/2025

Yankuba Minteh Makes History with Early Goal Against Manchester United!

Yankuba Minteh has made history by becoming the first-ever Gambian player to score against Manchester United and at Old Trafford. In the Premier League match this afternoon, Minteh gave Brighton an early 1-0 lead just four minutes into the game. However, Manchester United managed to level the scores in the first half, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.

01/19/2025

TikTok Removed from Google Play Store in the U.S.

As of January 18, 2025, TikTok has been removed from the Google Play Store in the United States. This action follows enacting a federal law mandating that ByteDance, TikTok's parent company based in China, divest its ownership or face a ban.

Current app users report difficulties accessing TikTok as they are met with messages related to the new legislation.

01/19/2025

United States Implements Ban on TikTok Nationwide!

Today, the United States has officially implemented a nationwide ban on TikTok. Users across the country, including those attempting to log in, have begun receiving notifications from the app regarding this new development.

The decision marks a significant move in the ongoing discussions surrounding the platform's presence and operations within the US.

01/19/2025

IMF Growth Forecast: 2025

🇺🇸 US: 2.7%
🇩🇪 Germany: 0.3%
🇫🇷 France: 0.8%
🇮🇹 Italy: 0.7%
🇪🇸 Spain: 2.3%
🇬🇧 UK: 1.6%
🇯🇵 Japan: 1.1%
🇨🇦 Canada: 2.0%
🇨🇳 China: 4.6%
🇮🇳 India: 6.5%
🇷🇺 Russia: 1.4%
🇧🇷 Brazil: 2.2%
🇲🇽 Mexico: 1.4%
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: 3.3%
🇳🇬 Nigeria: 3.2%
🇿🇦 South Africa: 1.5%

https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2025/01/17/world-economic-outlook-update-january-2025?cid=sm-com-fb-WEOET2025003

01/19/2025

Celebrating Academic Excellence: Another young Gambian Academic Scholar, Dr. Kinneh Ndow, earned a PhD in Mathematics!

Dr. Fatou Kinneh Ndow has reached a tremendous academic milestone by officially graduating with a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Iowa in the United States. This achievement marks the culmination of years of dedicated study and research in mathematics.

Dr. Ndow's academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of the Gambia, where a strong foundation was laid for future pursuits. This was followed by a Master’s in Mathematics from Ohio University, further enhancing expertise and knowledge.

The successful completion of a PhD at the University of Iowa represents the pinnacle of Ndow's academic efforts, showcasing a commitment to advancing in mathematics. This accomplishment is celebrated by family, friends, and colleagues, who have supported and witnessed Ndow's dedication to academic excellence.

01/18/2025

Grow your business with integrity—Sharia-compliant financing, your path to ethical success!

https://yonnaonline.com/

01/18/2025

Send money to family and loved ones in Gambia and Senegal from all over Europe and US via Diamano Money Transfer @ Affordable Charges & Best Rates.

01/18/2025

Former Mozambique finance minister Manuel Chang has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison in the US for a corruption scandal that sent the country’s economy into a crisis. Chang was convicted in August last year for accepting $7 million in bribes in exchange for signing off on $2 billion in secret loans to state-owned companies from major overseas banks.This caused IMF and World Bank to temporarily halt support, causing a currency collapse and financial turmoil. Given the amount of money lost, is the prison sentence fair enough?

01/18/2025

The National People's Party Held a Non-Elective Congress in Jarra Soma, which President Adama Barrow attended!

The National People's Party (NPP) convened its non-elective congress in Jarra Soma, which President Adama Barrow attended. The congress served as a platform for party members to discuss key issues, review party strategies, and strengthen unity within their ranks.

President Barrow addressed the attendees during the gathering, highlighting the party's achievements and outlining future goals. The congress allowed members to dialogue on policy directions and reinforce their commitment to the party's vision.

Speeches from various party executives and senior leaders marked the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and continued efforts to address national challenges.

Photo Credit: Saul Touray, Presidential Photographer

01/18/2025

Laye Sekou Camara, a 46-year-old former Liberian rebel commander known by different aliases, including “Dragon Master” and “General K-1,” has pleaded guilty to U.S. immigration fraud for lying about his role in the West African nation’s civil war.

Camara faced allegations of fraudulently obtaining a U.S. “green card” which permits residency in the nation.

The U.S. Justice Department Friday said the former rebel leader was set to go on trial in a Philadelphia federal court. However, he entered a guilty plea on Thursday, the eve of his trial.

Camara, a general in a Liberian rebel group from 1999-2003, falsely stated on U.S. immigration forms that he had never participated in extrajudicial killings. He also said that he had never been involved in a rebel group and had never engaged in the recruitment or use of child soldiers, the Justice Department said.

Through a released statement, Edward Owens, a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security, said Camara “was involved in committing atrocities, including the massacre of civilians, and the recruitment of child soldiers.”

The Global Justice and Research Project, a Liberia-based non-profit, said there were victims who were prepared to testify at Camara’s trial, identifying him for his involvement in Liberia’s conflict.

The Justice Department said Camara’s sentencing was set for May 19, adding that he faces a maximum penalty of 40-years in prison.

01/18/2025

SJAG- LRR Chapter Launched

In a historic move, the leadership of the Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG) launched the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia Lower Region Chapter (SJAG-LRR) on January 18, 2025.

This move aims to expand the reach and influence of the SJAG, bringing together sport journalists from all regions of the country. The SJAG-LRR will work closely with the main association, sharing resources and promoting the development of sports journalism in the Lower Region. With this launch, the SJAG continues to demonstrate its commitment to the growth and professionalism of sports journalism industry in The Gambia.

Speaking at the launching, Omar Jarju, the President of the Sports Journalists' Association of The Gambia (SJAG), praised the sports journalists in the Lower River Region for their dedication and hard work in promoting sports in the region. He also shared the plans of the SJAG to provide training and development opportunities for its members, as it is crucial for journalists to continuously learn and improve their skills in order to produce high-quality work.

The SJAG-LRR chapter is the first regional chapter to ever be launched by the SJAG. This is expected to have a positive impact on the members of the chapter, as it will provide them with opportunities to improve the quality of work and promote sports in their region. The chapter will be led by Lamin Darboe, a notable sports journalist with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field.

Additionally, the SJAG leadership is also planning to expand their reach by launching another chapter in the Central River Region in the coming weeks.

01/18/2025

ActionAid International The Gambia recently conducted a training session for 15 farmers on the proper usage and application of organic fertilizer in Farafenni, located in the North Bank Region.

By Sainabou Sambou ActionAid International The Gambia recently conducted a training session for 15 farmers on the proper usage and application of organic fertilizer in Farafenni, located in the North Bank Region. In an interview with The Alkamba Times (TAT), Saikou F. Bah, ActionAid Programme Co-ord...